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Hand made stoneware and Raku pottery

Making pots is part of my life and has been for a very long time. Its a way of slowing down living, a mediation, it me brings joy, I take time. I love the feel of clay and making it into natural shapes and curves, at the same time as having use. I love the colours and the magic of firing; not knowing quite how things will turn out. I love the expression and creative outlet it brings to me using natural materials and allowing the landscape and the people and things in it to speak through me.

I made my first pots when I was 8, in 1963, but there have been long gaps in life when I didn't have access to a wheel. I was first inspired by my dad who got into investigating and recreating Roman pottery and eventually built his own kick wheel and kiln. I started at night school in 1987 in Lancaster and was lucky to have two inspirational teachers, one very artistic and one a production potter, but both excellent throwers. I was an annoying student who just wanted to throw and didn't have the patience for coil and slab work and once I was let loose on a wheel, I never looked back. Carol taught me to have a good eye for an artistic and natural shape, while Brendan taught the discipline of throwing similar shapes with mass production and mastering clay in mind.
After another gap I move house and, as there was no easy way to get to a college with decent facilities, I bought my own electric wheel and kiln and pushed myself to get better using YouTube for inspiration.

My father was inspired by Bernard Leach, while I have followed David, Simon and John Leach for inspiration.
I work from home in North Yorkshire where I love the countryside and wide open skies. I am inspired by nature and natural shapes and the countryside around me.

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